Cooling System

Cooling System 101: Understanding Your Vehicle's Cooling System

Cooling systems in vehicles ensure the engine temperature is in the optimal range. If it fails, the engine heats up, which is never good. So, scheduling proper maintenance and knowing the warning signs of trouble with the cooling system is essential. 


Sutton Tire Inc. offers complete cooling system maintenance and repair services, from handling leaks to replacing critical components. Our technicians can also provide guidance on coolant for your specific vehicle make and model. 

Car engine bay with a translucent coolant reservoir filled with pink fluid and surrounding hoses.

The Importance of Cooling Systems in Vehicles

When your engine operates, it generates heat that must be absorbed to keep it running properly. That’s where the cooling system comes in, absorbing the excess heat, helping cool down the engine, and keeping it at an optimal temperature range (typically between 190 to 225 ℉). 


But the cooling system is also used for heating the vehicle. The coolant that flows through the cooling system goes to the core of the heating system. So, when you turn on the heating in winter, it’s that very cooling system warming the cabin.


If any cooling or radiator system component fails, the engine will overheat, resulting in serious damage. Regular maintenance with Sutton Tire Inc.'s help can ensure the cooling system does its job well.


Key Components in Your Vehicle’s Cooling System

Engine cooling results from different components of the cooling system working together. These include:


Coolant

The coolant is the fluid that flows through the cooling system and absorbs the heat. It’s also called the antifreeze, as the coolant contains the antifreeze additive that brings down its freezing point. 


Coolant circulation keeps the engine from overheating. These fluids vary by make and model, so using the recommended coolant/antifreeze is essential. 


Radiator

The radiator is the part that does most of the heat absorption. It’s a rectangular heat exchanger, typically installed on the front of the vehicle, that cools down the coolant when it absorbs the heat from the engine. This coolant then circles back to the engine. 


Radiators can get damaged with time, leading to leaks. When inspecting your vehicle’s cooling system, our technicians thoroughly check the vehicle radiator. 


Cooling Fan

A cooling fan or radiator fan helps cool off the coolant in the radiator. While the wind cools it off, too, the fan turns on when the vehicle is moving slowly or stopped. 


If the cooling fan stops working, the vehicle will immediately start overheating, especially at traffic or low speeds. 


Water Pump

The water pump is responsible for coolant circulation, and a problem with it can have serious consequences for the engine. 


Cooling system maintenance also involves inspecting the water pump. Our technicians check each system component to ensure it's working correctly. 


Hoses

The hoses move the coolant from the engine to the radiator (radiator hose) and the heating core (heater hose). These rubber hoses can deteriorate over time and loosen or crack. A leak in a hose can let the coolant escape, resulting in suboptimal performance and overheating. 


At Sutton Tire Inc., our technicians can replace faulty hoses to restore the cooling system. 


Thermostat

A working thermostat is essential for the proper functioning of cooling system components. A faulty thermostat can lead to overheating because it will fail to activate cooling components like a radiator fan. 


Cooling System Maintenance

For overheating prevention, maintaining the cooling system parts is critical. Doing so will prevent the need for expensive repairs and unfortunate situations where your vehicle is completely stalled. 


Here’s what maintenance involves:

  • Checking the coolant level in the reservoir (and topping it if low)
  • Inspecting the radiator cap, radiator, and hoses for leaks or damage at routine intervals 
  • Checking the radiator fan works
  • Flushing the coolant system on the recommended schedule (check the vehicle manual or speak to our technicians)


At Sutton Tire Inc., you can get quality maintenance services for your vehicle’s cooling system and detect potential issues before they become problematic. 


Warning Signs To Look Out For 

  • Warning light turns on:  If the engine temperature or coolant warning light comes on, your engine is overheating. 
  • Temperature gauge is high: If the temperature gauge on your dashboard is higher than usual, it’s a sign that the vehicle is overheating. 
  • Puddles under the vehicle or in the hood:  If you notice puddles under the vehicle or inside the hood, have the cooling system inspected for leaks. 
  • Cracks in the hose or bulging:  Any cracks in the hose or bulging in it indicate problems that require hose replacement. 
  • Coolant requires frequent top-ups:  If the coolant in the reservoir requires top-ups too frequently, it’s a sign of a leak somewhere. 
  • Sweet smell, burning smell, or steam:  If you notice a sweet smell, it’s a sign of a coolant leak. On the other hand, a burning smell from the hood or steam emerging from it are all signs of the engine overheating. 


Contact Sutton Tire Inc. for Cooling System Services

Call Sutton Tire Inc. at (706) 754-6241 and visit us at 293 Monroe St, Clarkesville, GA 30523 for exceptional automotive cooling systems services. Our experts have provided reliable services since 1947.